[Thromboangiitis obliterans and distal gangrene in a 5-year-old child]

Distal gangrene associated with arterial hypertension but without systemic manifestations or muco-cutaneous eruptions was noted in a 5 years old child. Gangrene first appeared in toes and then in fingers. Progression in a 7 months period led to bilateral midleg amputation and amputation of several fingers. Angiography revealed complete obliteration of popliteal and humeral arteries by thrombi and histologic examination of amputated material showed organized thrombi with phlebothrombosis and without vasculitis. Biopsies of liver, lung, kidneys and skin were unremarkable and immunofluorescence studies with various antisera were negative. Also no contributing factor or etiologic agents were found, similarities to adult type Buerger's disease are striking. Vasodilators were of no help and bilateral lumbar and cervical sympathectomy could only demarcate the already present gangrene.